Celebrated In
:Jaipur, Rajasthan.Deity
:Lord GaneshaAttractions
:Run races, play the regal game of polo.

There wouldn't be a better time to travel to
Rajasthan than during festival time. The Elephant Festival of Jaipur is a
unique event held annually in the capital of the north Indian state of
Rajasthan. Held during Holi, the festival of colors, to herald the advent
of Spring, the Jaipur Chaugan or polo field is brought alive with
elephants, dancers, musicians and onlookers from all the globe. Groomed to
perfection, glittering in gold, row upon row of elephants catwalk before
an enthralled audience. The elephants move gracefully in procession, run
races, play the regal game of polo.

The echoing sound of the bankiya (trumpet) fills the atmosphere. A
ceremonial procession is recreated with caparisoned elephants, lancers on
horses, chariots, camels, cannons, and palanquins. The large beast is the
center of attraction in the many races and beauty pageants.

Strangely, most of the participants are female elephants. The mahouts
(elephant keepers) take great care to decorate the elephants - painting
their trunks, foreheads and feet with floral motifs and adorning them from
tusk to tail with interesting trinkets. The mahouts were employed in the
Phil Khana, the department of elephant in the royal administration. They
played an important role until the princely state was incorporated into
the Union and the department because redundant. They, however, have
continued their association with the elephants.

The game of polo forms the highlight of the Elephant Festival of Jaipur.
Dressed in saffron and red turbans, the teams try to score goals with long
sticks and a plastic football. Finally, the tourists are invited to mount
the elephants and play Holi. Participants dance with great vigor-the
excitement rising to a crescendo.

The Elephant Festival is the specialty of the state of Rajasthan. Like the
Desert Festival of Jaisalmer, the Elephant Festival of Jaipur has become a
major draw for the tourists during their travel and tour. Given the
importance of the elephant in the socio-cultural milieu of the state of
Rajasthan, tourists can rest assured that they are in for some great
Indian festivities and fun in Jaipur.